Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 141

Scene: The Reception Hall – Early Morning 

After a few more moments of quiet reflection under the stars, Buck gently shifted Christopher in his arms, careful not to wake him. The little boy was still fast asleep, his face soft with peaceful dreams, and Buck felt a deep sense of warmth wash over him as he looked at the child he was now officially a father to. Eddie’s arm slipped around his waist, pulling him a little closer.

Eddie (whispering, as he watched Christopher): "We should get him inside, Buck. It’s getting a little chilly out here."

Buck nodded, already moving to stand up, adjusting his hold on Christopher to make sure he was comfortable. As they made their way back inside, the warmth of the reception hall wrapped around them, the noise from the party growing louder as they re-entered. But Buck only had eyes for Christopher, his heart swelling with pride and tenderness.

They made their way to a small seating area near the edge of the room, where a plush, unused couch sat quietly. It was a place Buck had become familiar with earlier that evening, a place where he had learned that Christopher wanted him to be his dad. The thought of it made his chest tighten, and his heart raced with emotion all over again.

Buck (softly to Eddie, as he gently laid Christopher down on the couch): "This is where it all started… this moment."

Eddie knelt down next to him, looking at Christopher as the boy’s head settled into the pillows.

Eddie (smiling): "Yeah. It’s perfect."

Buck removed his suit jacket and draped it carefully over Christopher’s small form, making sure it covered him completely like a blanket. He tucked the edges gently around him, a smile forming on his lips as he saw how safe and cozy Christopher looked under the soft fabric. His heart felt like it could burst from the overwhelming love he felt for both of them.

Buck (gently brushing a strand of hair from Christopher’s face): "Goodnight, buddy. I’m so lucky you’re mine."

Eddie stood up slowly, his hand resting on Buck’s shoulder, a proud and content smile on his face. He could see how much Buck loved Christopher, how deep that bond ran already.

Eddie (quietly, voice full of affection): "He’s lucky to have you, Buck. You’ve been his dad long before this. You always will be."

Buck looked up at Eddie, the love between them unspoken, but there all the same. They shared a quiet moment, just standing there, gazing down at Christopher. Then Eddie stepped back, giving Buck a moment alone with the boy.

Eddie: "I’ll grab a drink. You stay with him."

Buck (nodding): "I’ll be right here. I’m not going anywhere."

Eddie gave him a reassuring look before he moved away, rejoining the rest of the guests who were still mingling.

The party continued on into the early hours of the morning. Laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses filled the air as people danced, chatted, and celebrated. Slowly, people began to trickle out, but the energy in the room never waned.

Peppa and Michael had left earlier, quietly saying their goodbyes and wishing the family well. Harry and May had also gone home. Karen and Denny had made their exit too, taking Jee Yun with them, making sure the little girl was comfortable and settled for the night.

But there were still familiar faces lingering around, people who had become family in one way or another. Bobby and Athena were seated at a table near the bar, laughing and talking about their next big adventure. Chimney and Maddie were deep in conversation, the sound of their laughter carrying through the room.